Mine underground personnel positioning system and positioning method
By combining GPS positioning modules with underground wireless transmission chains in mines, the problems of unstable signals and inconvenient equipment wearing for underground personnel positioning have been solved, enabling continuous and reliable positioning and real-time monitoring of underground personnel, and improving the efficiency of safety management and emergency rescue.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KUNMING METALLURGY COLLEGE
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies cannot achieve continuous, accurate, real-time personnel positioning in underground mines. GPS signals cannot penetrate the strata, and RFID systems are costly to deploy and maintain, and lack flexibility.
The device employs a GPS positioning module combined with an underground wireless transmission chain. It transmits data to the controller via a wireless receiving module and cable to achieve real-time location monitoring. The device uses a quickly adjustable connecting strap and quick-connect device to ensure a secure and convenient fit.
It enables continuous and reliable tracking of personnel location underground and real-time monitoring on the ground. The equipment is securely mounted and easy to maintain. The system has strong overall stability, which improves the real-time accuracy of safety management and emergency rescue.
Smart Images

Figure CN121918145A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mine safety technology, specifically, it relates to a personnel positioning system and method for underground mines. Background Technology
[0002] Underground mining environments are complex, posing various safety risks such as collapses, water inrushes, and gas explosions. Real-time and accurate location information of underground workers is crucial for safe production scheduling, risk warning, and emergency rescue. Therefore, a reliable underground personnel positioning system is an indispensable safety guarantee facility in the construction of modern smart mines.
[0003] Currently, personnel positioning technologies applied in mines mainly include the following categories: (1) GPS-based positioning technology: This technology is widely used on the ground and has high positioning accuracy. However, because GPS signals cannot penetrate the strata, they are completely ineffective in mine roadways and cannot be directly used for underground positioning.
[0004] (2) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based positioning technology: This system requires the deployment of a large number of fixed card reader substations in underground roadways, with workers carrying identification cards (tags). When a person passes near a card reader, the system records their location. This method can only achieve "area positioning" or "line positioning" (i.e., knowing that a person is within the coverage area of a certain card reader), and cannot achieve continuous, accurate real-time location tracking. Furthermore, the system has high deployment and maintenance costs and poor flexibility.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a personnel positioning system and equipment that can adapt to the complex underground environment and provide reliable and stable positioning signals, so as to comprehensively improve the safety management level of underground personnel in mines. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a positioning system and method for personnel in underground mines. To solve the above-mentioned technical problem, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: The present invention provides a personnel positioning system for underground mines, including a positioning device, a controller, and a transmission chain. The positioning device includes a locator body, which contains a power module, a GPS positioning module, and a wireless transmission module. The GPS positioning module and the wireless transmission module are both connected to the power module. The transmission chain includes a cable and several wireless receiving modules, which are connected to the controller via the cable.
[0007] Furthermore, the positioning equipment also includes a mounting block and a connecting belt. The locator body is detachably mounted on the mounting block, one end of the connecting belt is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting block, and the other end of the connecting belt is detachably connected to the other end of the mounting block.
[0008] Furthermore, the locator body is provided with a quick-connect device, which includes a positioning block, a positioning groove, a stop rod, a connecting plate, a moving block, and a first spring. The positioning block is fixedly connected to the mounting block and has protruding teeth. The positioning groove is located on the back side of the locator body and matches the protruding teeth. The connecting block is installed on the outer wall of the locator body and is located below the positioning groove. The connecting block has a moving hole. The stop rod is slidably connected to the moving hole. The moving block is fixedly connected to the stop rod and slidably connected to the connecting block. The first spring is in a compressed state. One end of the first spring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the moving hole, and the other end is connected to one end of the stop rod. Under the elastic force of the first spring, the stop rod slides against the outer wall of the locator body and limits the protruding teeth.
[0009] Furthermore, the positioner body is provided with an adjustment device, which includes a rotating column, a groove, a pull rod, a pressure block, a second spring, and a pull handle. The rotating column is rotatably installed in the inner groove at one end of the mounting block. One end of the connecting belt is inserted into the inner groove, surrounds the rotating column, and is pulled out to form a double-layered folded belt. The end of the mounting block is provided with a groove, and the pull rod is slidably connected to the groove. The pressure block is installed on the bottom surface of the pull rod and located between the double-layered folded belts. One end of the pull rod that extends into the groove is provided with a groove. One end of the second spring is connected to the bottom of the groove, and the other end is connected to the bottom end of the groove. The second spring is in a stretched state. The pull handle is installed on the top surface of the pull rod.
[0010] Furthermore, the pressure block is wedge-shaped.
[0011] Furthermore, a power indicator light is provided on the outer wall of the locator body, and a charging terminal is provided on the side wall. Both the power indicator light and the charging terminal are connected to the power module.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for locating personnel underground in a mine. Using the above-mentioned positioning system, the personnel going down the mine wear the positioning device and turn it on. The wireless transmission module inside the positioning device will send out the GPS positioning signal. After receiving the signal, the wireless receiving module of the transmission chain will transmit it to the controller through the cable. The controller collects the positioning information in real time to monitor changes in the personnel's position.
[0013] Furthermore, the specific steps are as follows: Step 1, before going down the well: Personnel should wear the positioning device like a watch or belt, and adjust the connecting strap to the appropriate tightness using the adjustment device. Turn on the power to the positioning device; the power indicator light will illuminate.
[0014] Step two, after the workers enter the well: The GPS positioning module inside the locator acquires the location coordinates in real time. The wireless transmission module periodically broadcasts the GPS signal containing the personnel ID and location information wirelessly (such as RFID, ZigBee, etc.).
[0015] Step 3, Signal Reception: After receiving the wireless signal, the wireless receiving module deployed on the transmission chain in the underground roadway uploads the data to the controller on the ground through the cable connected to it.
[0016] Step four, location processing: The controller collects and processes information from all positioning devices in real time, dynamically displaying the location, distribution, and movement trajectory of each person on the electronic equipment in the monitoring center. In the event of an emergency, monitoring personnel can quickly grasp the real-time location of personnel underground, providing crucial information support for emergency rescue.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
[0018] (1) Reliable and continuous positioning: Through the architecture of "GPS module + underground wireless transmission chain", the problems of GPS signal failure and wireless signal instability are overcome, and continuous and reliable tracking of personnel location and real-time monitoring on the ground are realized.
[0019] (2) Secure and convenient to wear: The equipment uses a fast-adjustable and self-locking connecting strap to fit different body types; the quick-connect device enables the positioning terminal to be locked with one press and unlocked with one push, which not only ensures that it is not easy to fall off during operation, but also facilitates the charging and maintenance of the equipment.
[0020] (3) The system is practical and efficient: the transmission chain combines wired and wireless methods, ensuring strong stability; the overall design is modular, making maintenance convenient. It provides real-time and accurate location information support for underground personnel safety management, emergency evacuation and rescue, significantly improving safety assurance capabilities.
[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the mounting block and connecting strip according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the quick-connect device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustment device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of section B in the middle; Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a positioning method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] In the picture: 1. Mounting block; 2. Connecting strap; 3. Positioner body; 4. Charging end; 5. Quick-connect device; 51. Positioning block; 52. Positioning groove; 53. Support rod; 54. Connecting plate; 55. Moving hole; 56. Moving block; 57. First spring; 6. Adjustment device; 61. Rotating column; 62. Pull groove; 63. Groove; 64. Second spring; 65. Pull rod; 66. Pressure block; 67. Pull handle.
[0024] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Example
[0026] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in this embodiment, the underground personnel positioning system in the mine mainly includes positioning equipment, a controller, and a transmission chain.
[0027] Positioning device: A wearable terminal, the core of which is the locator body 3. The locator body 3 integrates a power module, a GPS positioning module, and a wireless transmission module. The power module supplies power to both the GPS positioning module and the wireless transmission module. A power indicator light is located on the outer wall of the locator body 3 to display the device's power status and battery level; a charging port 4 is located on its side wall, connected to the power module for charging the device.
[0028] Transmission chain: Deployed in underground mine roadways, consisting of cables and several wireless receiving modules spaced along the cables. All wireless receiving modules are connected to a controller on the ground via cables.
[0029] Controller: Usually located in the well monitoring center, used to receive, process and display all positioning information.
[0030] To ensure convenient wearing and secure installation, the positioning device also includes a mounting block 1 and a connecting strap 2. The positioning device body 3 is detachably mounted on the front of the mounting block 1. One end of the connecting strap 2 is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting block 1, while the other end has a buckle (such as a snap or Velcro) that can be detachably connected to the other end of the mounting block 1, thus forming an adjustable ring for easy wearing on the arm or waist.
[0031] To enable quick assembly and disassembly of the positioner body 3 and the mounting block 1, a quick-connect device 5 is provided on the positioner body 3. For example... Figure 3-4 As shown, a positioning block 51 is fixed to the front of the mounting block 1, and the positioning block 51 has protruding teeth. A positioning groove 52 matching the shape of the protruding teeth is opened on the back side of the locator body 3, which can be slidably inserted from the side for matching and limiting. A connecting block is fixed to the outer wall of the locator body 3 below the positioning groove 52, and the connecting block has a vertical moving hole 55. The abutment rod 53 moves vertically and is slidably connected to the moving hole 55. A moving block 56 is fixed to one end of the abutment rod 53 near the connecting block. Inside the moving hole 55, the first spring 57 is in a compressed state, one end of which is fixed to the bottom of the moving hole 55, and the other end is connected to the inner end of the abutment rod 53. Under the elastic force of the first spring 57, the abutment rod 53 has a tendency to move outward, so that the outer side of the abutment rod 53 always slides in close contact with the outer wall of the locator body 3.
[0032] During installation, align the positioning groove 52 on the back of the locator body 3 with the protruding tooth side of the mounting block 1 and slide it in. The protruding tooth will then be locked in the positioning groove 52. At this time, the abutment rod 53 will automatically pop out under the action of the first spring 57 and abut against the side of the protruding tooth, forming a lateral limit and preventing the locator body 3 from coming out laterally. During disassembly, manually push the moving block 56 inward to drive the abutment rod 53 to compress the first spring 57 and move downward, causing its end to disengage from the limit on the protruding tooth, allowing the locator body 3 to slide out laterally.
[0033] To facilitate adjustment of the length of the connecting strap 2 to accommodate people of different body types, the length of the connecting strap 2 can be adjusted using buckles or pattern stickers. Alternatively, an adjustment device 6 can be installed at one end of the mounting block 1.
[0034] Combined with appendix Figure 5-6The mounting block 1 has an inner groove at this end, and the rotating post 61 is rotatably installed in the inner groove. The movable end of the connecting strip 2 is inserted into the inner groove, wrapped around the rotating post 61 once, and then pulled out from the inner groove to form a double-layered folded strip. The end of the mounting block 1 has a vertical pull groove 62, and the pull rod 65 is slidably installed in the pull groove 62. A wedge-shaped pressure block 66 is installed at the bottom end of the pull rod 65, and the pressure block 66 is inserted between the double-layered folded strips, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 6 (The diagram shows a section of the connecting strip 2 cut off to illustrate the pressure block 66; the actual connecting strip 2 has no cut.) The part of the pull rod 65 that extends into the pull groove 62 has a groove 63. One end of the second spring 64 is connected to the bottom of the groove 63, and the other end is connected to the bottom of the pull groove 62. The second spring 64 is in a stretched state, providing a downward pulling force to the pull rod 65 under normal conditions. A handle 67 is fixed to the top of the pull rod 65.
[0035] Adjustment principle: Under the tension of the second spring 64, the pull rod 65 drives the wedge-shaped pressure block 66 to move upward. The inclined surface of the pressure block 66 presses the double-layered folded belt tightly against the inner groove wall, locking the length of the connecting belt 2 through friction. When adjustment is needed, pull the handle 67 upward, moving the pressure block 66 upward and releasing the pressure on the double-layered folded belt. At this time, the movable end of the connecting belt 2 can be freely pulled to adjust the circumference. After releasing the handle 67, under the action of the second spring 64, the pressure block 66 moves downward again to lock.
[0036] Location method: Step 1, before going down the well: Personnel put on the positioning device like a watch or belt, and adjust the connecting strap 2 to the appropriate tightness using the adjusting device 6. Turn on the power to the positioning device body 3, and the power indicator light will illuminate.
[0037] Step two, after the workers enter the well: The GPS positioning module inside the locator body 3 acquires the location coordinate information in real time. The wireless transmission module periodically broadcasts the GPS signal containing the personnel ID and location information wirelessly (such as RFID, ZigBee, etc.).
[0038] Step 3, Signal Reception: After receiving the wireless signal, the wireless receiving module deployed on the transmission chain in the underground roadway uploads the data to the controller on the ground through the cable connected to it.
[0039] Step four, location processing: The controller collects and processes information from all positioning devices in real time, dynamically displaying the location, distribution, and movement trajectory of each person on the electronic equipment in the monitoring center. In the event of an emergency, monitoring personnel can quickly grasp the real-time location of personnel underground, providing crucial information support for emergency rescue.
[0040] This invention overcomes the challenges of unstable or interrupted signals in underground mines caused by traditional positioning technologies, through a collaborative architecture of "GPS positioning + underground wireless transmission chain," achieving continuous and reliable tracking of personnel locations and real-time monitoring on the ground. The device employs a quickly adjustable, self-locking connecting strap 2 and a "one-press lock" quick-release structure, ensuring a secure fit and easy maintenance. The system boasts strong overall stability, providing real-time and accurate location information support for underground mine safety management and emergency rescue.
[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A personnel positioning system for underground mines, characterized in that, The system includes a positioning device, a controller, and a transmission chain. The positioning device includes a locator body (3), which contains a power module, a GPS positioning module, and a wireless transmission module. The GPS positioning module and the wireless transmission module are both connected to the power module. The transmission chain includes a cable and several wireless receiving modules, which are connected to the controller via the cable.
2. The underground personnel positioning system for mines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning equipment also includes a mounting block (1) and a connecting belt (2). The positioning device body (3) is detachably mounted on the mounting block (1). One end of the connecting belt (2) is fixedly connected to one end of the mounting block (1), and the other end of the connecting belt (2) is detachably connected to the other end of the mounting block (1).
3. The underground personnel positioning system in a mine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locator body (3) is provided with a quick-connect device (5), which includes a positioning block (51), a positioning groove (52), a stop rod (53), a connecting plate (54), a moving block (56), and a first spring (57). The positioning block (51) is fixedly connected to the mounting block (1), and the positioning block (51) is provided with a protruding tooth. The positioning groove (52) is located on the back side of the locator body (3), and the positioning groove (52) matches the protruding tooth. The connecting block is installed on the outer wall of the locator body (3) and is located on the back side of the locator body (3). Below the positioning groove (52), the connecting block is provided with a moving hole (55). The abutment (53) is slidably connected to the moving hole (55). The moving block (56) is fixedly connected to the abutment (53) and slidably connected to the connecting block. The first spring (57) is in a compressed state. One end of the first spring (57) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the moving hole (55), and the other end is connected to one end of the abutment (53). Under the elastic force of the first spring (57), the abutment (53) slides against the outer wall of the locator body (3) and limits the protrusion.
4. The underground personnel positioning system in a mine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locator body (3) is provided with an adjustment device (6), which includes a rotating column (61), a groove (62), a pull rod (65), a pressure block (66), a second spring (64), and a pull handle (67). The rotating column (61) is rotatably installed in the inner groove at one end of the mounting block (1). One end of the connecting belt (2) is inserted into the inner groove, surrounds the rotating column (61), and is pulled out to form a double-layered belt. The end of the mounting block (1) is provided with a groove (62). The pull rod (65) is slidably connected to the pull groove (62). The pressure block (66) is installed on the bottom surface of the pull rod (65) and located between the double-layered folding belt. The end of the pull rod (65) that extends into the pull groove (62) is provided with a groove (63). One end of the second spring (64) is connected to the bottom of the groove (63), and the other end is connected to the bottom end of the pull groove (62). The second spring (64) is in a stretched state. The pull handle (67) is installed on the top surface of the pull rod (65).
5. A personnel positioning system for underground mines according to claim 4, characterized in that: The pressure block (66) is wedge-shaped.
6. A personnel positioning system for underground mines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locator body (3) has a power indicator light on its outer wall and a charging port (4) on its side wall. Both the power indicator light and the charging port (4) are connected to the power module.
7. A method for locating personnel underground in a mine, characterized in that, Using any one of the positioning systems described in claims 1-6, when personnel going down into the well wear and turn on the positioning device, the wireless transmission module inside the positioning equipment will send out the GPS positioning signal. After receiving the signal, the wireless receiving module of the transmission chain will transmit it to the controller via cable. The controller collects positioning information in real time to monitor changes in personnel position.
8. A method for locating personnel underground in a mine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The specific steps include: Step 1, before going down the well: Personnel put on the positioning device like a watch or belt, and adjust the connecting strap (2) to the appropriate tightness using the adjusting device (6). Turn on the power to the positioning device body (3), and the power indicator light will illuminate; Step 2: After the workers enter the well: The GPS positioning module inside the locator body (3) acquires the location coordinate information in real time. The wireless transmission module periodically broadcasts the GPS signal containing the personnel ID and location information wirelessly. Step 3, Signal Reception: After receiving the wireless signal, the wireless receiving module deployed on the transmission chain in the underground roadway uploads the data to the ground controller through the cable connected to it. Step four, location processing: The controller collects and processes information from all positioning devices in real time, dynamically displaying the location, distribution, and movement trajectory of each person on the electronic equipment in the monitoring center. In the event of an emergency, monitoring personnel can quickly grasp the real-time location of personnel underground, providing crucial information support for emergency rescue.